China dispatches seventh peacekeeping force to Mali

A 413-strong Chinese peacekeeping force is set to begin operating in Mali on behalf of the United Nations before the end of May. 

The troops will be sent to the West African country in two separate groups and will stay for one year. 

The force includes 140 military engineers, 210 security personnel, and 63 medical staff.

This is the seventh Chinese peacekeeping force to be sent to Mali.

They will replace the sixth Chinese peacekeeping force at the Gao campsite of the United Nations Mission in Mali and will serve as security guards, help build roads and airports, improve medical security, and participate in air medical rescue missions.

Mali is home to the most dangerous ongoing peacekeeping operation in the world.

Before being deployed to Mali, the peacekeeping force received targeted training in high-temperature resistance, endurance, anti-terrorism, and riot prevention.

They also studied the regulations on UN peacekeeping operations, diplomatic etiquette, and local customs and conditions, ensuring that they are able to safeguard the image of the country and the military.

The first group of the seventh peacekeeping force, which includes 203 peacekeepers, departed from the Harbin Taiping International Airport on May 14.

A farewell ceremony was held by the northern warzone army of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the airport at 9:30 am.

The second round of troops is scheduled to head to Mali on May 21.

A girl kisses her father, a peacekeeper, at the Harbin Taiping International Airport on May 14. [Photo/chinanews.com]

A peacekeeper says goodbye to his grandmother at the Harbin Taiping International Airport on May 14. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Shen Jian(R) and Zhu Shu (L), who are husband and wife, were both selected for the Mali mission. [Photo/chinanews.com]